Calvary Chapel Is Depleted, Not Devastated

SANTA ANA — Since 1993, when Dane Valdez became Calvary Chapel’s first state champion, the Eagles have started the wrestling season with state champions in the lineup.

But things are different these days, and nobody is more aware of that than Coach John Azevedo.

“Sure, it would be nice to have some state champions coming back. But you take what you get and you do your best,” Azevedo said. “It’s fun in a different way. If you’re not expected to win this time, it’s more of a challenge. Last year, we dominated state and won easily. And those years are fun too. But you need to have different situations as a coach, and I’m looking forward [to the season].”

In fact, for the first time in the last four or five years, the Eagles are not ranked first in the preseason polls of The California Wrestler, which is published by former Monterey High wrestling coach Bill Clark.

“Last year in Stockton, Calvary Chapel blew everybody out. But this year will be another story and I think their dominance may be waning,” Clark said. Calvary Chapel is ranked second.

Leading Clark’s poll is Clovis Buchanan and Temecula Valley is third.

“Last year we dominated state. But that won’t happen this year. We might have a chance, but it’s going to be tough,” said Azevedo, whose nine-year career at Calvary Chapel has earned him a 93-13 record and four state titles.

Temecula Valley Coach Arnold Alpert thinks the Eagles are beatable and, in fact, can’t wait until Jan. 7, when his team hosts the Eagles.

“This [Jan. 7 dual meet] will be the third time we’ve wrestled them in three years,” Alpert said. “The first time they blew us out, the second time we lost, 37-23, and they had two state champions. But this year I think it will be different. It’s going to be a real show.”

The Eagles have also come up short in transfers this season, which in the past, have included two-time state champion Ty Wilcox (Grass Valley), Mike Aguirre (Victor Valley), Washington state champion Jay McGuffin and Nevada state champion Matt Azevedo.

“Except for Ben Nakamura, who transferred from [Corona] Centennial this fall, there isn’t anybody else on their team,” El Modena Coach Alan Clinton said. “I really can’t say right now how well they’ll do this season. John will always be prepared, but he doesn’t have a Ty Wilcox or Joe Calavitta. No, I have to wait until mid-season before I can make a judgment.”

Another problem for the Eagles is the fate of senior Tino Archuleta, who had some disciplinary problems at school and is currently not attending Calvary Chapel.

According to Azevedo, the 1997 state finalist will not suit up for the Eagles’ first match.

“I really can’t say what will happen with Tino. He’s taking home study right now. But I have to leave that in God’s hands,” Azevedo said.

Though the Eagles are not the same team as last year’s, that doesn’t mean they’re going down the tubes.

In addition to Nakamura, seniors Josh Saul (215 pounds) and Arsen Aleksanyan (160) will play key roles in the Eagles’ plans. Saul took fifth at state last year and Aleksanyan was a 1997 Division I champion.

“Gee, it must be tough to have four state finalist in your lineup,” Anaheim Coach Joe Mark said, laughing. “I think Calvary Chapel will be just as strong as always. John will have his team ready, and the guys that wrestle for him are nails. Do they have a shot at the state title? I think they do.”

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PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Calvary Chapel: Seeking its fifth state title.

2. Santa Ana: Will battle for the Division III title.

3. El Modena: The Vanguards return 12 starters.

4. Anaheim: Has experience and balance.

5. Brethren Christian: New coach but same talented team.

6. Laguna Hills: Should win its 11th league title.

7. Brea Olinda: Had a good summer league season.

8. San Clemente: Lost some starters but is still strong.

9. El Dorado: Could be the big surprise this year.

10. Fountain Valley: Solid in lower and middle weights.

WRESTING

Wrestlers to Watch

* Jack Anaya, Valencia, 119 pounds, Sr.

* Tony Aparicio, Loara, 125 pounds, So.

* Tino Archeletta, Calvary Chapel, 135 pounds, Sr.

* Pat Cadwallader, Brethren Christian, 145 pounds, Sr.

* Jesse Carrasco, Troy, 145 pounds, Sr.

* Tim Dye, Anaheim, 189 pounds, Sr.

* Richard Feistman, Kennedy, 135 pounds, Sr.

* Victor Ha, Laguna Hills, 112 pounds, Jr.

* Ben Nakamura, Calvary Chapel, 140 pounds, Sr.

* Tony Perez, Santa Ana, 103 pounds, Sr.

* Robert Richardson, San Clemente, Hwt., Sr.

* C.H. Rush, Irvine, 135 pounds, Sr.

* Edgar Saldivar, Anaheim, 171 pounds, Sr.

* Josh Saul, Calvary Chapel, 215 pounds, Sr.

* Charlie Williams, El Modena, 152 pounds, Sr.

League Favorites

Century: El Modena; Empire: El Dorado; Freeway: Troy; Garden Grove: Santiago; Golden West: Santa Ana; Olympic: Calvary Chapel; Orange: Anaheim; Pacific Coast: Laguna Hills; Sea View: El Toro; South Coast: San Clemente; Sunset: Fountain Valley.

Key Dates

Dec. 12, Mann Classic, Loara HS; Jan. 2-3, Holiday Classic, Santa Ana College; Jan. 7, Calvary Chapel at Temecula Valley; Jan. 16-17, Five Counties, Fountain Valley HS; Feb. 14, Southern Section Dual Meet Championships; Feb. 20-21, Southern Section Individual Championships; Feb. 24, Masters; Mar. 6-7, State finals.

1996-97 Final Poll

1. Calvary Chapel; 2. Anaheim; 3. Santa Ana; 4. Brethren Christian; 5. El Modena; 6. Brea Olinda; 7. Santiago; 8. Fountain Valley; 9. San Clemente; 10. Irvine.

Notes

Two weekend tournaments caused changes in the preseason polls. Fountain Valley jumped to second behind Calvary Chapel. Brethren Christian moved up to third and Irvine, which came out of nowhere to win the El Dorado tournament, is fourth. The rest of the top 10 after the first week, in order, are: Santa Ana, El Modena, San Clemente, Anaheim, Laguna Hills and Magnolia, which moved up to 10. Said El Modena Coach Alan Clinton, who compiles the polls: “After the second week of wrestling, when everybody starts competing, we’ll probably see another shakeup of the rankings, then the rankings become a little more stable.”